Cycling UK's new Challenge Ride Series starts as clocks go forward

Cycling UK's new Challenge Ride Series starts as clocks go forward

Cycling UK has announced a new Challenge Ride Series of sportives for 2017 – which gets underway with Cycling Stevenage’s ‘Start of Summertime’ on Sunday, 26 March.

Around 400 riders will be losing an hour’s sleep the night before the popular Hertfordshire event, as the clocks go forward at 1am.

The Challenge Ride Series 2017 comprises 16 handpicked rides organised by some of Cycling UK’s local Member Groups, which will involve nearly 3,500 participants in total.

Cycling UK Chief Executive Paul Tuohy said: “Many of the rides include a choice of distances, so anyone interested in taking part should find one to suit their own requirements – whether it’s 14 miles, 50, 100 or 130.

“The series will give people the perfect excuse to cycle in some of our amazing countryside and perhaps discover an area they haven’t visited before.

“You can, for example, enjoy Momma’s Mountain Views with Chester and North Wales CTC, go Back to the Fuschia with Leicestershire and Rutland CTC, and explore the delights of Devon with Devon CTC. Whichever you choose, a grand day out is guaranteed!”

All finishers will receive a beautiful Challenge Ride Series medal and ribbon (most branded with the event name), a certificate, and a Cycling UK goodie bag, in addition to anything supplied by the local organisers.

The series kicks off with Cycle Stevenage’s Start of Summertime ride on 26 March and ends with its Emitremmus Desrever (Summertime Reversed) on 29 October.

In between, there will be rides throughout Britain in locations including The Wirral, Ayrshire, East Anglia, North Wales, the New Forest, Newcastle and Swansea.

Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do. Over a century’s experience tells us that cycling is more than useful transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone. To find out more, visit: www.cyclinguk.org